I've learned a lot from a "secular" mixing, such as this Dharma Gathering I mentioned here: http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=11384" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and occasional meditation/discussion at the "Insight" group that organised that (along with a Zen group). That there are various ways of exploring Dhamma/Dharma, and various resources one can draw on, is, I think, a positive, not a negative thing.

While I am certainly in the camp of "sticking mostly to one thing consistently" rather than dabbling in many different approaches, I think that's a very different attitude from: "my thing is the only right thing". Such secular gatherings are, among other benefits, a useful challenge, because they constantly expose traces of a "my thing is the only right thing" mindset ("Hmm... what's she talking about? Doesn't she know about ...").

While I am certainly in the camp of "sticking mostly to one thing consistently" rather than dabbling in many different approaches, I think that's a very different attitude from: "my thing is the only right thing".

I agree. I think all we can say is that "my thing is the right thing for me at the moment".

Just found this thread - wondering why I couldn't recall it, but then remembered I was away on Pilgrimage.

Will enjoy reading and considering the content. Stephen and Martine Bachelor will be in Brisbane shortly - not sure I'll be able to get to any of their teachings though.

With metta,
Chris

---The trouble is that you think you have time---
---Worry is the Interest, paid in advance, on a debt you may never owe---
---It's not what happens to you in life that is important ~ it's what you do with it ---